Of course there are other methods that can be used that don't involve insulting fellow FMs or calling them sheep because their view isn't identical to yours.....

First if you have a problem with someone on the boards have a chat with them on the PM service. Most of the time you'll resolve your differences and get on a lot better in future without having to drag your dirty washing across the forum.

Second, should the above fail, simply bring up their profile and click on the ignore option....from then on (unless someone else quotes them) it's like they don't exist anymore.

How I see a troll is not just someone writting something to get attention, to annoy, to wind up - but it is usually someone who actually has no interest in the subject at all - so they are purely here to annoy!!!

That's the difference between a genuine BB fan complaining and moaning and having a go and a Troll who is just here to get people's back up! - So a bit like Shameron!!!

You can sometimes, but not always, tell a Troll cos they are not here on a regular basis and just appear and post the most loaded insulting question they can - also look at there number of posts (Normally quiet low - cos they don't add anything to this board, just pop on every now and then to have there fun!)

We get one (who will remain nameless!) on here late at night - trouble is most of us regulars no by now and we just say good evening and DO NOT rise to answer the question at all - that drives them mad !!!

I had a read through the link provided in the above-referenced post, and have quoted a part of the article which struck a particular resonance with me. Having recently been the recipient of in-thread malicious messages (aka trolling) on this forum, I can testify to the truth of the theory that trolls do create an unfriendly atmosphere for new users and discourage us from continuing to participate. I hardly ever visit here now, as the experience led me - probably unfairly - to conclude that this wasn't a very nice town. I say unfairly because I've found the vast majority of members here to be courteous and articulate individuals who are capable of discussing their views in a considerate manner, without resorting to personal abuse. It only takes a few bad apples to ruin the box though.

Thanks for the link Mammasue - an interesting article.

Posters, particularly new posters that do not know the humour or temperament of this board, and that are so up themselves that they take any post as a personal attack, even if it is not intended for them, can make this forum a difficult place to post.

Fair enough - can't argue with that.

Real_Pyrrhic, keep on posting! I really enjoyed your audition experience thread and it's one of the reasons I joined this forum. There are some very articulate and eloquent posters on Digital Spy.

I lost it for a second yesterday and was abusive to another forum member. I've received my warning from DS and was told any repeat of my disrespect to fellow forum members would result in a permanent ban.
I've sent my apologies back to DS and promise to be a good boy from now on.

What I don't understand is how much, much more personal and vitriolic disrespect is tolerated towards housemates who are not able to defend themselves on this board. This can surely create an atmosphere where similar insulting behaviour can overflow in the direction of FM's.
At least FM's have the opportunity to counter any flames.

Reporter, it's interesting that you got a warning. One of the newly-banned has been so persistently offensive to other posters, I've been amazed he lasted so long.

I was well out of line and deserved the warning. I'm very grateful not to have received an outright ban.

When I started posting on here I got in an argument with someone about personal things and we were quite critical of each other but we hadn't argued for the fun of it so no action was taken. It all blew over in a day or so anyway.

Read a post.. If it seems irrational and childish... Resist the urge to respond!

Is anyone allowed to say who got banned, and why?

One posted a link infected with JS.OFFIZ virus

Big Sista 2003 or something like that.

But you're always going to have a few bad apples wherever you go. You have a lot of respect on this site so please reconsider your decision not to spend more time with us.

do you know anything about the virus, and who posted it. I may be infected?

Don't worry wivenhote, you would have had to visit the link that she had posted. From what I gather, you would know if you did!
A timely warning to everyone to keep their anti-virus software up to date.

lu

I guess it was the bouncing "You are an idiot" thing that opens your CD tray etc. I thought this wasn't a virus. Was that the link you mean?

More than one person found JS.OFFIZ on their system immediately afterwards.

I'm not sure I didn't see it, but there are pseudo viruses out there in that they act like a virus but in essence aren't.

If people found JS.OFFIZ on their system then they have a trojan.

lu

more details here http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_99905.htm

lu

they must be cams fans can watch e4 much all they see is wot they se on ch4 at 10.00, not like us on e4 vote for scott!!!!!!!

Thanks for that lu. Was a bit worried when I opened the link yesterday.

You're welcome